Mitsubishi Lancer Racing - Dakar 2012

The 2012 Dakar Mitsubishi Lancer Racing Arrives on Your Track from Avant Slot

The AV50708 reference from Avant Slot is much more than a miniature: it is the scaled-down embodiment of one of the most iconic cars to have crossed the dunes of Dakar in the modern era. Made from resin with the level of detail that characterises Avant Slot, this piece will awaken the collector's instinct and competitive spirit of any slot enthusiast who holds it in their hands.

Highlighted Technical Features

• Dimensions: Length 142 mm · Width 64 mm · Height 58 mm
• Wheelbase: 90 mm
• Rear axle to guide distance: 104 mm
• Body weight: 29.6 g · Total weight: 83.2 g
• Motor: 4x4 at 21,000 rpm
• Transmission: Longitudinal (inline configuration)
• Drive: 4x4 via pinions
• Front and rear axles: Height adjustable using M2 Allen key
• Bearings: Bronze
• Wheels: 15.5 × 9 mm front and rear
• Tyres: 21 × 10 mm front and rear
• Guide: Tilting adjustable by screws
• Braids and wires: Soft braids and silicone wires
• Shock absorbers: Four independent

Motorisation and Track Behaviour

The heart of this Mitsubishi Lancer Racing is a motor configured in inline —that is, arranged longitudinally in line with the rear axle— which helps lower the centre of gravity and improve cornering stability. With 21,000 rpm, the car offers a lively and consistent response, ideal for both technical indoor circuits and faster tracks where the 4x4 pinion traction is appreciated.

The longitudinal transmission combined with four-wheel drive reproduces, within the limits of the slot format, the mechanical philosophy of the real Lancer: grip and control on any surface. The four independent shock absorbers provide a balanced platform that favours tuning without the need for major modifications.

Adjustment and Preparation

Avant Slot has equipped this model with tuning elements that the most demanding drivers will appreciate from the first session:

• Front and rear axles height adjustable with M2 Allen key, allowing fine-tuning of body height and braid contact with the track.
• Tilting guide adjustable by screws, facilitating adaptation to different track types and rail depths.
• Soft braids and silicone wires, ensuring smooth and interference-free electrical conduction.
• Bronze bearings, robust and long-lasting without demanding maintenance.

Scale and Level of Detail

Avant Slot is one of the leading manufacturers of resin scale cars in the slot world, and this Lancer Racing is no exception. The body faithfully reproduces the livery of the car that participated in the 2012 Dakar, with a carefully crafted decoration that makes it a valid display piece as well as a track performer. The 29.6 g of the body alone indicates the solidity of the set, while the 83.2 g of the complete car ensure a total weight that favours grip and stability on track.

Ideal for…

• Collectors passionate about Dakar and scale rally cars.
• Club drivers looking for a competitive car with real tuning options.
• Enthusiasts wanting a piece with history and presence both on display and on track.

Aspects to Consider

The 4x4 pinion drive system requires periodic maintenance to ensure the good condition of gears and bearings. We recommend lubricating the pinions with a small amount of specific slot grease and checking the adjustment of the tilting guide before each long running session.

Race History and the Mitsubishi Lancer Racing in the 2012 Dakar

The 2012 Dakar was held entirely in South America, traversing Argentina and Chile from January 1 to 15. It was an edition marked by the harshness of the terrain, extreme heat, and enormous liaison distances. The Mitsubishi Lancer Racing, a direct descendant of the legendary Pajero in the Japanese brand's motorsport strategy, represented Mitsubishi's attempt to remain competitive in the car category of the toughest rally in the world.

The Lancer Racing was a deep development based on the Lancer Evolution, converted for Dakar with long-travel suspensions, specific protections, and the all-wheel drive mechanics that characterise the Evolution range in competition. Although Mitsubishi had been reducing its official involvement in Dakar over the years, private and semi-private teams using the Lancer Racing continued to keep the brand's flame alive in the car category, becoming a familiar and emotional sight for all fans following the race.

The 2012 edition was marked by victories from Stéphane Peterhansel driving a Mini All4 Racing in cars, but the Lancer Racing left memorable images in the most demanding specials, especially in the Chilean desert stages and the Andean crossings. For many fans, the Lancer in Mitsubishi colours remains one of the most recognisable visual icons in the recent history of Dakar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Mitsubishi Lancer Racing compatible with Scalextric and Ninco tracks?

The adjustable tilting guide allows adaptation to different rail depths. It is compatible with universal type tracks such as Scalextric and Ninco. For other systems, it is advisable to check the width and depth of the rail before running.

Does the inline motor affect cornering behaviour compared to other configurations?

Yes. The inline configuration —longitudinal motor in line with the rear axle— lowers the centre of gravity compared to sidewinder or anglewinder configurations, which generally translates to greater stability in corners and a more predictable response to the throttle.

Can I use this car directly on the track or does it need prior preparation?

It comes ready to run. However, as with any slot car with tuning options, we recommend checking the guide adjustment, the pressure of the braids on the rail, and the lubrication of the pinions before the first session.

Is the resin body more fragile than an injected plastic one?

Resin is a stiffer and denser material than conventional plastic. It offers a superior level of detail and greater fidelity in shape reproduction, although it may be somewhat more sensitive to strong impacts. For track use with regular collisions, it is advisable to drive carefully in the first corners.

Can the tyres be replaced with others from the Avant Slot spare parts range?

Avant Slot has its own catalogue of spare parts for its models. The 21 × 10 mm tyres are a common size in their range, so finding specific replacements for this model should not be a problem.

Do the four independent shock absorbers really influence driving?

In the context of slot racing, independent shock absorbers allow the body to work more uniformly over rail irregularities, improving braid contact and the overall stability of the car at high speeds.

The Avant Slot Mitsubishi Lancer Racing Dakar 2012 (ref. AV50708) is a highly detailed resin slot car replica of one of the most iconic vehicles in recent Dakar Rally history. Featuring a 4x4 inline motor configuration running at 21,000 rpm, adjustable front and rear axles, four independent shock absorbers, a tilting adjustable guide, and soft braids with silicone cables, this model delivers both collectible appeal and real on-track performance. A must-have for Dakar enthusiasts, slot racing club competitors, and scale model collectors looking for authenticity combined with genuine tuning options.